Egypt’s Local Development and Environment Ministry said 29 cases were referred to prosecutors or provincial legal departments following inspections of local authorities in August, as part of a campaign targeting administrative shortcomings and violations.
Minister Manal Awad said the ministry’s Performance Evaluation, Monitoring and Inspection Division carried out 43 planned and surprise inspections and complaint-related checks across 16 governorates.
The inspections covered Cairo, Giza, Assiut, Monufia, Dakahleya, Kafr El-Sheikh, Gharbeya, Qalyubeya, South Sinai, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Red Sea, Port Said, Suez and Damietta.
The ministry said inspectors reviewed local government operations and compliance with laws and government directives in areas affecting public services.
The division also investigated 34 complaints from citizens involving encroachments on state and agricultural land, building permits, street obstructions, utilities, and alleged environmental, financial and administrative violations.
Awad said the inspections resulted in 29 cases being referred to the relevant prosecution authorities or legal departments. The ministry did not specify the alleged violations in each case or how many were referred directly to prosecutors.
She ordered local officials to step up field inspections and take legal action against building violations and obstructions affecting residents.
Awad said the ministry would take a firm approach to failures to enforce demolition orders against illegal buildings and warned against delays in implementing legal measures.
